Warrap state governor expels UN radio journalist

November 10, 2021 (JUBA) – The Governor of Warrap state, Aleu Ayieny Aleu has expelled a journalist working for the United Nations-sponsored Radio Miraya, accusing him of involvement in activities undermining peace and stability.

Aleu, in a letter extended to Sudan Tribune, gave Manyang Mayom 72 hours to leave Warrap.

“This letter serves to inform your institution that one of your personnel particularly Mr Manyang Mayom is considered to be participating in activities that jeopardize peace and stability in Warrap State and as such he is given only seven two hours (72) to leave Warrap State”, partly reads the November 4, 2021 letter addressed to the head of the UN field office in the state.

Mayom, who has not publicly reacted to the directive, reportedly left the state.

Sources say authorities in Warrap could have been angered by the manner in which the journalist consistently reported on the security situation in the state.

Warrap state government has been criticised for failure to manage perennial communal conflict while the governor was recently accused of allegedly ordering the execution of suspects without legal and constitutional procedures.

On November 2, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) urged all stakeholders, including security personnel, to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists in the country.

“We are calling on the government at all levels, national, state, local, communities because we have also discovered that some communities even arrest journalists. Whenever such things happen, they should be investigated and those who committed crimes should be brought to book. A lot of crimes and offences are being committed against the journalists and the cases are never investigated,” UJOSS President Patrick Oyet said in a statement.

South Sudan is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders (RSF’s) 2021 World Press Freedom Index.

(ST)